Canberra raiders' New Zealand pair Ruben Wiki and Tyran Smith are more than happy for their club to still be wearing the underdog tag.
The so-called unfashionable club has caught most of their rivals off-guard with their unbeaten run to lead the competition after eight rounds.
"Everyone is waiting forus to break but we're just looking to keep building on our start," Wiki said.
"We've stepped up. Just look at where we are in the table."
The Kiwis have been in Wellington this week to help promote their "home" game against the Warriors at Westpac Stadium on May 23.
The game was shifted because of a potential clash in Canberra that weekend with rugby's Brumbies.
If it goes well, Canberra will consider a longer-term arrangement in Wellington.
Some might argue that Canberra have had a reasonably comfortable start to the season with games against North Queensland, Wests Tigers, St George-Illawarra, Penrith, Parramatta, Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney, a number of whom will not be serious premiership contenders.
But that does not bother Wiki and Smith.
"The club's recruited well, Matthew Elliott is a good coach with a proven record and the players have a lot of confidence in each other," back rower Smith said.
Last year was one of rebuilding at Canberra, Wiki said, and to scramble into the top eight for the playoffs was encouraging.
Prop Wiki, who has remained loyal to Canberra since 1993, has one more year on his contract.
The much-travelled Smith, 29, ends a two-year deal this year and is negotiating for an extension.
- NZPA
* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Warriors updates.
